First Chemotherapy & Antibody Therapy Treatments

Wet flatcoat = happy flatcoat
Taken 6.21.15

Today we drove an hour and half back to the VRC Cancer Center in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Paul had to go to work so I drove solo with Burke panting in the backseat. Burke has never been a fan of the car - I will ask the vet about a medication for travel anxiety since we will be taking this trip - a lot!  I should probably get some meds for myself too.

We arrived at the hospital slightly before 11:00am and found the waiting room full of pets and their owners: two golden retrievers, a boxer, and a little white fluffy dog. We were taken back to an examination room immediately and met with Dr. Hamilton.  I had a list of questions that we went over. 

What is Burke's life expectancy with chemo alone? 6 months on average for dogs with t-cell lymphoma. 

What is Burke's life expectancy with chemo plus the new antibody therapy? Since the drug is so new there are limited studies, but on average it will extend his life by 40%. These are just averages and some dogs live longer (which means some dogs live shorter).

How long will the Burke be in treatment? Chemotherapy will be given by IV once a week for the first 8 treatments followed by a final 8 treatments given every other week. Antibody therapy (also given by IV) is twice a week for the first 4 weeks followed by a final 4 treatments given every other week.

How long before we know if it's working? He should be in complete remission in 1 month's time.

How will you know if it comes back?  We will evaluate him monthly.

What about supplements?  How do you feel about turmeric paste? I neither encourage or discourage supplements because there is no scientific evidence supporting or dispelling the efficacy of these alternative treatments.  I wish there were. I would prefer if you held off during his first month of treatment before introducing supplements so that we can determine his reaction to the chemotherapy and antibody therapy. I do not want Burke to have any adverse side effects from the treatment and if he does have any adverse side effects I want to know what's causing it. 

We planned a vacation to Maine in over the 4th of July. Can Burke get these treatment in Maine? Yes, there is a canine oncologist in Portland, Maine that can give Burke his treatments. I've already been in touch with him. (I really like you Dr. Hamilton!)

How much will the treatment cost? The chemotherapy will cost $6000 and the antibody therapy will cost another $6000.

(wow)

As I write this blog I am thinking that some will judge me for spending so much money on my dog in order that he might live another year or two - I understand.  Before I had this dog, I would have judged me too.  There are always other/better uses for our money, but we have decided to do this.  If you feel differently, please don't comment here because this blog is about supporting Burke in his fight against cancer.  Burke will be part of a study for antibody treatment and Burke may win -- we are betting on Burke.

So Burke got his treatments and an anti-nausea medication and an anti-anxiety medication.  I was also told to cut his prednisone in half.

later on...

Burke was slightly sedated for the therapy so he laid quietly in the car on the way home.  I offered him his meds and water when we got home and some food.  He drank quite a bit, ate his meal and fell asleep.  After about 2 hours he woke up and got sick -- I probably should not have fed him.  I don't know!  Paul came home from work and Burke was very happy to see him.  After a cheerful greeting, Burke laid down again and fell asleep.  

I am feeling very ambivalent and sad.